District History

Basingstoke East Scout District was formed in May 1979 at a time when Scouting in Basingstoke was at its highest with
membership across the borough of Basingstoke and Deane numbering well over 2000 young people and some 25-30 Groups in
all. Parts of the Borough to the north and west of the town, including Tadley, Baughurst, Headley, Pamber Heath and
Kingsclere had already been removed to form Silchester District in 1966. Hampshire County Scout Council nevertheless
still considered the remaining areas of the Borough too large for one person to handle and, despite grumbles (some of
which continue to this day), Basingstoke East, and Basingstoke West Districts were born!

Basingstoke East District is defined as, 'covering the civil parishes of Ellisfield, Herriard, Weston Corbett, Weston Patrick,
Upton Grey, Tunworth, Winslade, Cliddesden, Mapledurwell, and Up Nately together with that part of Basingstoke Town Centre
which lies to the east of the western ring road'.

At its initial registration in January 1980, the District comprised of 12
Scout Groups:-

31751 1st Basingstoke (Trinity Methodist)

37764 2nd Basingstoke - became 39985 2nd Basingstoke (North) in 1983

39407 3rd Basingstoke (St. Thomas' School for the Deaf). Amalgamated with Oakridge in 1984

The increase in residential areas on the fringes of the town and the destruction of large areas in the original town centre as part of the London
overspill agreement of the 1970s, together with the resultant changes to demographic trends and living patterns, led to the amalgamation/closure of
several Groups in the 1980s. A new Group, 1st Chineham Group was registered in October 1981. The 3rd Basingstoke (St. Thomas' School for the Deaf)
Cub Pack merged with Oakridge Group in 1984 whilst 2nd Basingstoke(North) and St. Gabriel's Groups amalgamated to form 1stPopley
(Everest) Group in 1986.

Today the District comprises of ten Groups and two Explorer Scout Units. Most Groups/Units are based in or near the town centre with the
remainder in Old Basing, Chineham and Popley.

Hampshire’s 2018 camp will provide a rich and exciting experience for everyone from the youngest Beaver to the oldest Explorer, and all the Adult leaders, helpers, Network & Scout Active Support – in Hampshire and beyond.